Amino Acids for Healthy Hair Growth

Healthy hair is a sign of good health. Plus, when we look good, we usually feel good. You can improve the health of your hair by eating well, taking vitamins and minerals. And you can take amino acid supplements. Hair is mainly comprised of protein, which is a collection of about 20 amino acids that link to form peptide bonds and then protein. Amino acids are needed for the repair of all tissues and for healthy hair growth by strengthening the overall structure of the hair.

Amino Acid Complex

Rather than supplementing with various single amino acids, it is beneficial to take an amino acid complex, as they work synergistically to repair tissues and build protein and collagen. Choose a formula that contains both essential and nonessential amino acids. The following are the essential amino acids required for humans: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. All are required for healthy formation of tissue and repair of tissue.

There are many brands of amino complexes, and all should be taken according to the label, in between meals or on an empty stomach. More specific single aminos that are beneficial to healthy hair growth are cystine, tyrosine, cysteine and methionine.

Cystine

In addition to an amino complex, L-Cystine, a nonessential amino acid, is needed for improved hair texture. Hair is composed of about 10 percent cystine.

Methionine

Methionine is an essential amino acid that is a rich source of sulfur, which helps to combat skin and nail problems and helps to prevent brittle hair. It also helps with the production of collagen.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid. Its role in healthy hair growth is to maintain the production of melanin, which is responsible for the pigment of our hair.

Cysteine

Cysteine is a powerful antioxidant and helps protect the body from free radicals, which can damage cells. Its role in healthy hair growth is that it helps the hair to grow faster. You can also get a modified form of cysteine N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), which can be easier to find and still serves a similar purpose.

Check with your doctor before starting any new supplement, including amino acids, to ensure that the supplement won't interfere with any of your regular medication.

References

• Amino Acids
• Essential Aminos
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Resources

• Country Life Amino Complex